PUPILS from three Southend primary schools have battled it out in a reading programme to prove they are reading gladiators.

Blenheim Primary School, Federation of Greenways Primary School and St Mary’s Prittlewell participated in the inter-school challenge Reading Gladiators, organised by company Just Imagine.

Over the course of the day, the pupils competed in three challenges based on a set of eight tailored books they have read and evaluated throughout the year, pitting their wits against opposing teams in a contest of knowledge, performance and creativity. There were quiz questions as well as artistic and dramatic events to test the children’s skills as a reading gladiator.

The winners of the competition were Blenheim Primary School.

The pupils impressed the judges and got to take the trophy back to their school.